I also have two books on small space gardening to share with you today. The first is Small-Space Container Gardens.

Not everyone has a piece of land available to them for gardening. Author Fern Richardson gardens on a small apartment balcony, yet she manages to grow figs, nectarines, herbs and berries.

In her book, she offers anyone who wants to grow plants creative ways to make use of patios, porches, decks, rooftops and even windowsills. The book addresses the basics like plant and container selection, as well as many of the unique challenges presented by small space gardening like wind and weather extremes. There is even a helpful chapter on troubleshooting disease and pests.

Take this birdcage planter. Isn't it wonderful? I really want to make one of these!

Another thing I like about this book is the fact that you don't necessarily have to read it cover to cover just to find the information you need to get started. The book's wide range of topics are all clearly identified. There are also handy list of things you need and clear instructions for each of the projects.

Topics covered in the Balcony Gardener include: a basic primer on small space gardening, using plants to screen for privacy, small water gardens, getting creative with containers, growing herbs, tomatoes and strawberries as well as...

furnishings and lighting ideas. Many of the projects like the birdcage planter are fun whether you have a small garden or not.

I have a copy of each book to giveaway.If you would like to be included in the draw, please leave a comment below. I will draw one name for each of the two books with the help of some fabulous assistant.

I will leave the contest open for a full week (Closes next Wednesday at 12 pm) and will do a draw early the following week.

Many thanks to CICO Books and Timber Press for providing the books in this giveaway. Good luck everyone!

I am going to link this post to Holley's monthly book review party. To discover some other really great gardening themed books, be sure to click the link: Roses and Other Gardening Joys.

More Information and Links:

About the Author of Small-Space Container Gardens:Fern Richardson is the creator of the popular blog Life on a Balcony. A master gardener, an amateur photographer and garden designer, she lives in Long Beach California.

About the Author of The Balcony Gardener:Isabelle Palmer is an author and the founder of an innovative online company: www.thebalconygardener.com. Her online shop specializes in product ranges for small urban outdoor spaces: balconies, patios, roof-top gardens and terraces.Isabelle studied art at Chelsea College of Art and Design before getting a degree in economics. Always a keen gardener, she started of her own small space garden and that lead her to believe that others would want to do the same.

Oh, I just love the first garden. I love the way they have made the grass an area rug! And thanks for pointing out the spider plants. I would have missed that detail! That little hanging planter is so unique. Although these may be small gardens, they are definitely big on ideas and inspiration! Thanks so much for linking in!

Delicious photos that I could view and dive into on any given day! Gosh, I love your garden blog!!! You are such an inspiration. Your photography is stunning! Yes, please sign me up for the giveaways. Thanks for the best garden photos of the day!David/:0)texanagarden@gmail.com

There are some lovely ideas in your post. There have been many times I wish I had a smaller garden - less to take care of, less to worry about. Over the years I came to the conclusion that I had to look at the gardens in smaller sections and that has helped in focusing on my desires and needs for the garden. Great post.

Jennifer girl who would not want one or both of these beautiful books !I also love the style of the birdcage planter .. I think I have to visit a flea market or two and see if I can find one .. they are just so beautiful !I don't like my areas to look too much like I dragged indoor furniture to the outdoors though .. I want a bit of wild unkempt look that reminds me that I am truly outdoors and in my garden : ) LOLJoy

These photos really show how attention to detail really matters - those lovely little tea lights in various jars are such an easy and economical addition, yet they make a world of difference. I had forgotten how much I like seeing spider plants grown outside. Thank you for sharing this.

Wow ~ all of these small space examples are absolutely breath-taking. Goes to show every place can be lovely. I have a smallish garden myself but try to use every inch! New ideas are always welcome. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway ~ both books look like good ones.

What a lovely garden, love those roses as a backdrop to the seating area. I come from a long line of gardeners/farmers and both my children have inherited the gardening gene. I am happy to see it come out in another generation. My son valiantly gardens on a balcony overlooking a busy street. I'm going to get the Balcony Gardener for him.

These look like great books for any gardener, Jennifer. I have lots of space but my garden size is limited by how much energy and stamina I have to dig up more lawn...which means my garden isn't very big:) It's good to remember that size doesn't matter. I love, love that hanging planter with the wise man and the pagoda!